What is the essence of law?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Forced obedience
Option (1) Forced obedience — Correct. Law and justice are different. The essence of law is its force: law is law because it carries the means to coerce or force obedience, with the power of the state behind it.
Option (2) Social Justice — Incorrect. Social justice is a goal that law may serve, such as equal treatment of all groups. A law can exist and be enforced even when it is unjust, so justice is not what makes it law.
Option (3) Fairness — Incorrect. Fairness is the essence of justice, not of law. This is the very difference between the two.
Option (4) Social Norms — Incorrect. Social norms are unwritten rules enforced by society through approval and disapproval. Law is different because it is backed by the force of the state.
NCERT (2025-26): “Constitutional Norms and Social Justice: Interpretation to Aid Social Justice It is useful to understand that there is a difference between law and justice. The essence of law is its force. Law is law because it carries the means to coerce or force obedience. The power of the state is behind it. The essence of justice is fairness. Any system of law functions through a hierarchy of authorities. Constitution is the basis of all rules and authorities.…” |